“He has scored 42 goals in just 59 games since leaving Arsenal. We regret selling him out carelessly because he’s now better than even our Bukayo Saka”- Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke expresses his frustration at Mikel Arteta for selling unreal “goal machine” who left Arsenal for £0M and is now outscoring Bukayo Saka
At a recent press conference, Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke openly shared his frustration with manager Mikel Arteta over the decision to let go of star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang departed Arsenal on a free transfer and has since showcased remarkable form, scoring 42 goals in just 59 games. This impressive performance has left Kroenke and the Arsenal management regretting their decision.
“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has proven to be an incredible goal machine since his departure,” Kroenke remarked. “His record speaks for itself – 42 goals in 59 games is an outstanding achievement. We deeply regret selling him out carelessly.”
Kroenke’s dissatisfaction was further highlighted by comparing Aubameyang’s success with that of current Arsenal star Bukayo Saka. Although Saka has been a standout performer for the Gunners, Aubameyang’s post-Arsenal achievements have overshadowed Saka’s contributions.
“Of course, we have immense pride in Bukayo Saka, who has been a fantastic player for us,” Kroenke continued. “However, it’s frustrating to see Aubameyang outscoring him. It’s clear that letting him go was a mistake.”
Aubameyang’s departure was contentious. Despite his previous contributions, including winning the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2018-2019 season, his form had dipped, leading to questions about his future with Arsenal. In a bid to rejuvenate the squad and cut the wage bill, Arsenal decided to release him, and he joined a new club on a free transfer.
Since leaving, Aubameyang has rediscovered his scoring touch and become one of Europe’s most feared forwards. His goal-scoring exploits have been crucial to his new team’s success, making Arsenal’s decision appear increasingly ill-advised.
Mikel Arteta has faced criticism for his handling of the situation. Critics argue that Arteta failed to get the best out of Aubameyang and did not manage his exit effectively. Kroenke’s recent comments have echoed this internal frustration within the club.
“We trusted the process and believed in the decisions made at the time,” Kroenke stated. “However, looking at Aubameyang’s incredible form now, it’s clear that we miscalculated. We should have found a way to keep him and harness his talents.”
The situation with Aubameyang has raised broader questions about Arsenal’s transfer policy and their ability to manage key players. Supporters have also voiced their concerns, expressing disappointment over losing a player who has achieved such success elsewhere.
As Arsenal navigates the challenges of the Premier League, the regret over Aubameyang’s departure serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of careful decision-making and the potential consequences of letting top talent leave without fully considering the long-term impact.
In light of these revelations, Arsenal’s management will undoubtedly face closer scrutiny as fans and analysts watch to see how the club moves forward from this costly mistake.